The first channel was shallow and no problem, but as we approached the middle of the main channel it became clear we had underestimated the crossing. The water was waist deep and while not raging, the current was strong enough to make Apoc take a seat.

The most challenging part of this town was the other hikers. We’re about 8 days away from Kennedy Meadows and a fear has descended on the community. The upcoming water crossings will be brutal not only because they’ll require crossing freezing water from snow melt but also because they’re potentially deadly. They are not to be underestimated.

I crawled into the Cajon Pass McDonald’s to see something I’ll never forget. 50+ stinky, dirty hikers had taken over the McDonald’s. With packs and trekking poles strewn across the lobby, phones charging in every outlet, and non-hikers entering with pinched noses there was barely room to walk let alone sit.